What does a radiology technician do?

I'm intrigued by the role of a radiology technician and considering it as a career path after high school. Can someone explain what a typical day looks like, and what skills are necessary for this job? Is it a stable career?

A radiology technician, also known as a radiologic technologist, plays a crucial role in the field of medical imaging. They operate imaging equipment such as X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create images of the human body. This aids doctors in diagnosing and treating various health conditions and diseases.

A typical day could involve performing several patient imaging procedures, which on many occasions includes preparing patients for the procedures by explaining the process, ensuring they remove jewelry or other objects that could interfere with the imaging, positioning them correctly, adjusting the equipment for optimal results, and then capturing the images. The radiology technician must also ensure patient safety by using radiation protective devices, and maintaining the equipment for optimal use.

In terms of skills, you'd need both technical and soft skills for this job. Technical skills include operating the imaging machinery, understanding radiation safety, understanding anatomy to get the best image, and interpreting physicians' orders. Soft skills can be equally important, if not more so. For example, good communication skills are necessary to explain procedures to patients and to interact with colleagues. Attention to detail and problem-solving are essential since you’ll be responsible for getting clear images for doctors to base their diagnoses on. As with any healthcare professional, empathy is also key because your patients might be dealing with hard news or be afraid or anxious.

Radiology technology indeed tends to be a stable career. As an essential function in healthcare, the demand for radiology technicians is consistent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. This is largely attributed to our aging population, leading to an increase in medical conditions that require imaging for diagnosis. The development of new imaging technologies can also contribute to the job growth in this field.

However, keep in mind that this role requires training beyond a high school diploma. Most people enter this profession with an Associate's degree in radiology technology, and many states require licensing or certification.